031411March 14, 2011
The Randolph County Board of Commissioners met in regular session at 4:00 p.m. in the
Commissioners Meeting Room, County Office Building, 725 McDowell Road, Asheboro, NC.
Commissioners Holmes, Frye, Haywood, Kemp and Lanier were present. Kim Newsom, former
County Personnel Director, gave the invocation, and everyone recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
Retirement Recognitions
Finance Officer Will Massie recognized Jane Leonard for 31 years of service to County
Administration, and Chairman Holmes presented her with an engraved clock.
Public Library Director Ross Holt paid tribute to Arlene Smith, who was unable to attend, for 34'/2
years of service to the Public Library, and Ms. Smith's daughter, Sabrina, accepted an engraved clock
from Chairman Holmes on her mother's behalf.
Public Comment Period
Pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 153A-52.1, Chairman Holmes opened the floor for public comment.
Lynn Lancaster, representing the Randolph Tea Party, presented the Board of Commissioners'
Transparency Report Card as determined by the Tea Party. According to the report card, the Board of
Commissioners received an overall grade of B-, which was the highest grade received of all the
governmental agencies in the county. He also addressed an error on the County's report card: the
County received a "C" on truthfulness, but the grade should have been an "A." He asked that the Board
"take the report in the spirit that it was offered," and to encourage other governments in the County to
abide by public records law in fiscal responsibility and government transparency.
Hearing no other comments, the public comment period was closed.
Approval of Consent Agenda
On motion of Frye, seconded by Kemp, the Board voted unanimously to approve the Consent
Agenda, as follows:
• approve minutes of regular meeting of 217111, Planning Retreat of 2126111 and 2 sets of closed
sessions of 217111;
• approve 2012 Holiday Schedule for County, Solid Waste Facility & Library, as follows:
Holiday
County*
Solid Waste Facility'
Library
New Year's Day
Observance 1/2(Mon.)
1/2 (Mon.) closed
1/2 (Mon.)
M. L. King Jr. 's B -day
1/16 (Mon.)
1/16 (Mon.) open
1/16(Mon.)
Easter/ Good Friday
4/6 (Fri.)
4/6 (Fri.) open
4/7 (Sat.) closed
4/6 & 4/7
(Fri. & Sat.)
Memorial Day
5/28 (Mon.)
5/28 (Mon.) closed
5/28(Mon.)
Independence Day
7/4 (Wed.)
7/4 (Wed.) closed
7/4 (Wed.)
Labor Day
9/3 (Mon.)
9/3 (Mon.) closed
9/3 (Mon.)
Fall Festival (Asheboro Library Only)
10/6 (Sat.)
Veterans' Day
11112 (Mon.)
11112 (Mon.) open
11112 (Mon.)
Seagrove Pottery Festival (Seagrove Library Only)
11/17 (Sat.)
Thanksgiving
11/22 & 23
11/22 (Thur.) closed, 11/23 (Fri.)
11/23, 24 & 25
Sales Tax Refund $ 2,123
(Thur. & Fri.)
open,
(Thur., Fri. &
Miscellaneous
$4,772
11/24 (Sat.) open
Sat.)
Christmas
12/24 -12/26
12/24 (Mon.) closed, 12/25
12/24, 25 & 26
(Mon., Tue . & Wed.)
(Tue.)closed 12/26 open
(Sat., Mon. &
Tue.)
• reappoint Vernel Gibson and Larry Brown, Sr. to the Industrial Bond Authority;
• approve Budget Amendment #30 for Renovation of Historic Courthouse, as follows;
2010-2011 BUDGET ORDINANCE
General Fund.......—Amendment ##30
Revenues Increase Decrease
Appropriated Fund Balance $50,000
Appropriations Increase Decrease
Public Buildings $50,000
• approve Budget Amendment #31 for Day Reporting Center (Montgomery County -Pretrial
Supplies), as follows;
2010-2011 BUDGET ORDINANCE
General Fund—Amendment #.31
Revenues Increase Decrease
Miscellaneous $5,500
Appropriations Increase Decrease
Day Reporting Center $5,500
• approve City Schools Capital Project Budget Amendment #8 & Budget Amendment #32 for
close-out of Asheboro City Schools 2006 COPS Project, as follows;
2010-2011 BUDGET ORDINANCE
City Schools Ca ital11 o*e t Ordinance Amendment #8
Revenues Increase
Decrease
Sales Tax Refund $ 2,123
Apprqniations Increase
Decrease
Miscellaneous
$4,772
Transfer to General Fund $ 6,900
2010-2011 BUDGET ORDINANCE
General Fund—Amendment #.32
Revenues Increase
Decrease
Transfer from City Schools Capital Project $ 6,900
Appropriated Fund Balance
$6,900
Appropriations Increase
Decrease
None
• approve County Schools Capital Project Budget Amendment #9 & Budget Amendment #33 for
Close-out of Randolph County Schools 2006 COPS Project, as follows;
2010-2011 BUDGET ORDINANCE
County Schools Ca i al Prn'ect Ordinance
Amendment 99
Revenues
Increase Decrease
Interest Earned
$1,760,000
Sales Tax Refund
$ 564,400
Appropriations
Increase Decrease
Miscellaneous
$162,295
Furniture & Equipment
$ 12,295
Transfer to General Fund
$2,174,400
2010-2011 BUDGET ORDINANCE
General Fund—Amendment Z#33
Revenues Increase Decrease
Transfer from County Schools Capital Project $2,174,400
Appropriated Fund Balance $2,174,400
Appropriations Increase Decrease
None
• approve County Schools Capital Project Budget Amendment #10 and Budget Amendment #34
for Close-out of 2007 COPS Project (Wheatmore High School), as follows;
2010-2011 BUDGET ORDINANCE
General Fund—Amendment 934
County Schools Capital Project Ordinance
Amendment #10
Decrease
Revenues
Increase
Decrease
Interest Earned
$72,000
Decrease
Sales Tax Refund
$ 351,223
Appropriations
Increase
Decrease
Other Services
$ 50,172
Architect
$1,677
Furniture
$105,566
General Construction
$129,248
Contingency
$403,225
Transfer to General Fund
$539,785
2010-2011 BUDGET ORDINANCE
General Fund—Amendment 934
Revenues Increase
Decrease
Transfer from County Schools Capital Project $539,785
Appropriated Fund Balance
$539,785
Appropriations Increase
Decrease
• approve Budget Amendment #35 for Public Health (NCDHR Family Planning & Food &
Lodging Funds, Smart Start Funds for Vision/Hearing Screenings), as follows:
2010-2011 BUDGET ORDINANCE
General Fund.......—Amendment #35
Revenue Increase Decrease
Restricted Intergovernmental $10,790
Appropriations Increase Decrease
Public Health $10,790
Addition to New Business
Chairman Holmes announced that Item J. Set Special Meeting Date for April 11, 2011 at 7: 00 p. m.
at The Exchange in Asheboro had been added to the agenda.
Voluntary Agricultural District Advisory Board Annual Update
Kemp Davis and Carolyn Langley updated the Board on activities of the Voluntary Agricultural
District Board (VADB) during 2010. Five farms, totaling 283 acres of land, were accepted into the
program. As a result, Randolph County now has nearly 14,500 acres of land enrolled in the program.
Of this, 14 farms are enrolled in the Enhanced Voluntary Agriculture District with 1,195 acres and 101
farms with 13,243 acres are enrolled in the Regular Voluntary Agriculture District.
The VADB was notified in June 2010, that Randolph County Cooperative Extension and Randolph
County Government received a $25,000 grant through the NC Department of Agriculture to write a
Farmland Protection and Preservation Plan for Randolph County. John Bonham was hired as an
Agricultural Consultant in November to help in collecting data and in writing the plan. The goal is to
meet with and talk with as many farmers and landowners as possible in Randolph County in order to
collect information on the concerns, challenges and opportunities that our farmers are facing. To date,
over 300 people have completed a comprehensive agricultural survey. In addition, five farmland
preservation dinner meetings, sponsored by the Randolph Farm Bureau, have been held with 318 people
in attendance. Data from the meetings is currently being compiled and reviewed. The VADB plans to
complete the plan in May in order to present to the Commissioners in June and to ask for approval.
Approval of Criminal Justice Partnership Programs (CJPP) Application; Contract with
Montgomery County; Resolution of Support for Continuation Funding
Pam Smith, Day Reporting Center Director, asked the Board to approve the grant application for
continuation of implementation funding for the Randolph Adult Resource Center and the contract
between the Randolph and Montgomery CJP Advisory Boards for the Montgomery program.
On motion of Kemp, seconded by Haywood, the Board voted unanimously to approve the FY 11-12
CJPP Application for the Randolph County Program and to approve the FY 11-12 Agreement between
the Randolph and Montgomery CJPP Programs, to authorize the County Manager to sign the required
documents, and to approve the following resolution of support for continuation of CJPP funding:
RESOL UTION IN S UPPORT OF CONTINUATION OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE PARTNERSHIP
PROGRAM FUNDING
WHEREAS, since 1995, the State of North Carolina and County Governments have been partners in
providing effective and necessary community supervision of adult criminal offenders; and
WHEREAS, the CJPP funding programs of Randolph County are meeting the goals for the programs as
stated in the General Statutes; and
WHEREAS, the Randolph County CJPP diligently carries out its charge of establishing and delivering
competent, effective and necessary program assistance to augment community supervision of adult criminal
offenders; and
WHEREAS, the loss of CJPP services in Randolph County will result in the loss in rehabilitative
services for offenders and additional costs of incarceration due to higher failure rates for offenders; and
WHEREAS, Criminal Justice Partnership Program (CJPP) funding has been removed from the
continuation budget and is now subject to continuation review, and
WHEREAS, the non-recurring status of CJPP funding and subsequent continuation review will delay the
annual appropriation and may result in the loss of qualified professional personnel or county government's
discontinuation participation due to uncertain funding; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Randolph County Board of Commissioners strongly
endorses full reinstatement of funding for Criminal Justice Partnership Program to the continuation budget.
Request for Local Match for Community Transportation Service Plan for RCATS
Roger King, Transportation Director, Randolph County Area Transit System (RCATS), said that
the Board of Directors of the Randolph County Senior Adults Association, Inc. met on February 24,
2011 and approved a Resolution to Request a New Community Transportation Service Plan (CTSP)
for the Regional Coordinated Area Transportation System (RCATS) program. As the designated sub -
recipient of 5311 Federal Transportation Administration program funding on behalf of Randolph and
Montgomery Counties, the Randolph County Senior Adults Association and RCATS administer the
Community Transportation Program for both counties. The North Carolina Department of
Transportation State Management Plan, Community Transportation Program, Title 49, U.S.C. Section
5311 requires that sub -recipients of those Federal and State funds have a current five-year Community
Transportation Service Plan in place. A letter of request to conduct a new study and develop a new
CTSP for Randolph and Montgomery counties has been submitted to NCDOT. This study and a new
CTSP will be developed by an outside consulting firm, selected and hired by NCDOT. The last
transportation service plan for Randolph and Montgomery counties, the Regional Community
Transportation Development Plan (RCTDP), was completed in September 2003 and expired in 2008.
NCDOT's Public Transportation Division has been working with transit system providers across the
state with expired Plans to update and complete new Plans as soon as possible. The planning process
for a new CTSP transportation study for Randolph and Montgomery Counties is scheduled to begin in
March 2011, with field -work beginning in June 2011. The final CTSP should then be completed eight
to ten months later, or sometime in early 2012. NCDOT will provide funding to conduct this new study
at a 90% NCDOT and 10% local match ratio. The estimated cost of a new CTSP study is
approximately $80,000 - $100,000. The local match will run between $8,000 - $10,000.
Mr. King asked that the County provide the local match monies required at $6,500, which is
proportionate to the County's share of the RCATS total operating budget. He said that the funding
should be allocated in the FY 2011-2012 County Budget.
The Board took no action on this request at this time; the Commissioners will consider this request
during the FY 2011-2012 Budget process.
Approval of Resolution of Support for Municipal Watershed Restoration Planning Proiect
Cy Stober, Piedmont Triad Council of Governments Water Resources Mgr., reported on the Water
Quality Management Pilot Project for the Asheboro Municipal Watershed. He said that the 38 -square
mile watershed in and around the City of Asheboro has been identified as impaired by the NC Division
of Water Quality for a number of pollutants. These impacts appear to largely arise in the City, but are
degrading the water quality in Randolph County, namely in the Deep River. The Deep River is plagued
by high levels of algae, measured by the levels of chlorophyll in the water. The main cause of this algal
growth is nutrients, likely from lawn and agricultural fertilizer. Two streams originate in Asheboro,
and neither are in good shape. Penwood Branch is highly degraded due to excessive storm water flows
from paved surfaces, and Haskett Branch has low levels of oxygen, high levels of turbidity, and high
levels of copper, all likely due to its urban environment.
The Piedmont Triad Council of Governments proposes to address these issues on behalf of
Randolph County and the City of Asheboro, and requests a Resolution of Commitment to support
PTCOG's efforts in these matters. The final product will be a restoration plan that recommends
projects, programs, and policies that can most effectively restore healthy waters to Randolph County
for the long-term future. It will begin in January 2012, and be delivered by December 2013. On
behalf of these efforts, PTCOG has already applied for a $51,000 Clean Water Management Trust
Fund grant, and also hopes to apply for a $73,000 federal grant that is managed by the NC Division of
Water Quality. The City of Asheboro has committed to these projects, and will be providing staff and
water quality monitoring data to this project. PTCOG is requesting the time and resources of Randolph
County Planning and Public Works staff for this project, but no cash. These in-kind contributions from
the County should roughly total $26,200 over two years. We believe that this project will serve the job
duties already existing for these positions, and will perpetuate Randolph County's reputation as a
regional leader in protecting its rural heritage and the environment for its people.
On motion of Frye, seconded by Kemp, the Board voted unanimously to approve a resolution of
support for in-kind support services at approximately $26,200 over two years to the Asheboro
Municipal Watershed Restoration Planning Project, as follows:
RESOLUTION OF SUPPORT BY THE COUNTY OF RANDOLPH TO COMMIT RESOURCES AND
STAFF TOWARDS THEASHEBORO MUNICIPAL WATERSHED RESTORATIONPLANNING
PROJECT
WHEREAS, the N. C. Division of Water Quality, Department of Environment and Natural Resources has
classified the Deep River as `Impaired" for violating the water quality standard for chlorophyll -a and the
action level for copper; and
WHEREAS, the N. C. Division of Water Quality, Department of Environment and Natural Resources has
classified Penwood Branch as `Impaired" for violating the water quality standard for bioclassification, as
determined by benthic organism samples; and
WHEREAS, the N. C. Division of Water Quality, Department of Environment and Natural Resources has
classified Haskett Creek as `Impaired" for violating the water quality standards for dissolved oxygen and
turbidity, and the action level for copper; and
WHEREAS, these three water bodies are found within a thirty-eight (38) square mile watershed, as
determined by the US Geologic Survey, that includes parts of both the County of Randolph and the City of
Asheboro; and
WHEREAS, the County of Randolph is committed to stewardship of its natural resources, including water
quality; and
WHEREAS, despite regulations upon development that protect water quality and open space in Randolph,
there is no plan to improve water quality in the aforementioned three water bodies; and
WHEREAS, the City of Asheboro has committed resources, water quality data, and staff towards
addressing these water quality problems; and
WHEREAS, the Piedmont Triad Council of Governments is pursuing NC Clean Water Management Trust
Fund and NC Division of Water Quality 319(h) grant funds to address these water quality problems with a
watershed restoration planning effort that will feature the US Environmental Protection Agency's Nine Key
Elements of Watershed Planning; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Randolph County Board Of Commissioners:
To dedicate in-kind support such as staff and resources valued at approximately $26,200 over
two years (24 months) to the `Asheboro Municipal Watershed Plan, " should it be funded with
either of the aforementioned grant funds;
FURTHER, that nothing in this resolution shall affect or interfere with fulfillment of the obligations and
rights of the parties hereto to manage the lands and programs administered by them in accordance with their
other basic land management responsibilities and current ordinances;
FURTHER, nothing in this resolution shall be understood to obligate the County to adopt any of the
recommendations or priorities identified within the `Asheboro Municipal Watershed Plan. "
Approval of Resolutions Concerning Regional Council of Government Matters
On motion of Kemp, seconded by Frye, the Board voted unanimously to approve the Resolution to
Dissolve the Piedmont Triad Council of Government, as follows;
RESOLUTIONDissolving the Piedmont Triad Council of Governments and
Providing for Distribution of Assets and Obligations
WHEREAS, the Piedmont Triad Council of Governments was organized in June 1968; and
WHEREAS, the Piedmont Triad Council of Governments, is a regional council of governments authorized
by NCGS 160A, Article 20, Part 2 Regional Councils of Governments; and
WHEREAS, the Piedmont Triad Council of Governments is designated by the Secretary of the Department
of Administration as the Lead Regional Organization for North Carolina multi -county planning Region G; and
WHEREAS, as of today's date the Piedmont Triad Council of Governments consists of forty-six member
governments shown in Attachment to this Resolution including the counties of Alamance, Caswell, Davidson,
Guilford, Montgomery, Randolph and Rockingham and thirty-nine municipalities within those counties; and
WHEREAS, this association has proven the usefulness of regionalism as an efficient and effective platform
for cooperative problem solving and program delivery; and
WHEREAS, changes in the scope ofpolitical, economic, environmental, and transportation issues have led
the membership of the Piedmont Triad Council of Governments to consider the opportunities offered by a
broader coalition of like-minded local government partners across the twelve -county Piedmont Triad region of
North Carolina.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Commissioners of Randolph County hereby
agrees to dissolve the voluntary association heretofore known as the Piedmont Triad Council of Governments
at the end of fiscal year 2010-2011; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that such dissolution shall occur upon satisfaction of two conditions: (1)
adoption of this Resolution by thirty-one member government units which is two-thirds of all member
governmental units of the Council as required by Article IV, Section 2 the Charter and (2) formation of the
successor council of governments pursuant to NCGS 160A, Article 20, Part 2 as provided for in the Formation
and Membership Resolution for the Piedmont Triad Regional Council; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that upon satisfaction of conditions one (1) and two (2) above, dissolution
of the Piedmont Triad Council of Governments shall become effective June 30, 2011; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that all assets and obligations of the Piedmont Triad Council of
Governments, Multi -County Planning Region G, shall transfer to the successor regional council, the newly
formed Piedmont Triad Regional Council.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this resolution is adopted this the 14'h day ofMarch 2011.
On motion of Kemp, seconded by Frye, the Board voted unanimously to approve the Resolution of
Formation and Membership in the Piedmont Triad Regional Council, as follows;
RESOLUTION --Formation and Membership in the Piedmont Triad Regional Council
WHEREAS, the Piedmont Triad Council of Governments, multi -county planning Region G, serves the
region encompassing Alamance, Caswell, Davidson, Guilford, Montgomery, Randolph and Rockingham
counties and thirty-nine municipalities within those counties; and
WHEREAS, the Northwest Piedmont Council of Governments, multi -county planning region I, serves the
region encompassing Davie, Forsyth, Stokes, Surry and Yadkin counties and twenty-two municipalities within
those counties; and
WHEREAS, the two councils of governments have individually and jointly studied the benefits of merger to
form a new Piedmont Triad Regional Council which would be the successor council of governments to the two
existing entities and which, pursuant to this Resolution, would encompass the twelve -county Piedmont Triad
region; and
WHEREAS, the benefits of merging the two regional councils include:
• Designation of one Lead Regional Organization for the Triad region consistent with state policy on
regions since 1971;
• A larger and more unified voice for Triad local governments at the state and national levels;
• Broader scope of services to member governments, based on the strengths of each existing COG;
• Efficiency of shared overhead leading to reduced fees for contract services to members;
• Alignment of the region's two local government organizations to reflect common economic, land, water,
transportation and air quality conditions.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Randolph County Board of Commissioners hereby joins
with other local governments throughout the twelve -county region in adopting the Charter of the Piedmont
Triad Regional Council (attached as Attachment A and incorporated herein); and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that establishment of the Piedmont Triad Regional Council shall require
adoption of this Resolution by each board of county commissioners in the twelve -county region or adoption by
the governing bodies of one or more municipalities whose combined populations represent at least 50% of the
population of each county on or before March 31, 2011; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that upon sufficient votes by units of local government as required above,
the Piedmont Triad Regional Council shall be established as the council of governments for the Piedmont Triad
region effective July 1, 2011; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that sufficient votes by units of local government as required above, will be
deemed a petition and request to the Secretary of the North Carolina Department ofAdministration to re -draw
regional boundaries, as authorized in G.S. G.S 143-341(6)(1), for a twelve -county Piedmont Triad region
effective July 1, 2011.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this resolution was adopted this the 14th day ofMarch 2011
Approval of Resolution to Change Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting Time and Venue &
Re -Designate the Official County Bulletin Board
On motion of Frye, seconded by Haywood, the Board voted unanimously to approve a Resolution
to change the Board's regular meeting time and venue and to re -designate the Official County Bulletin
Board, as follows;
Resolution Authorizing a Change in the Location/Time of the Randolph County Board of Commissioners
Regular Meetings & Re -Designation of Official Bulletin Board Site
WHEREAS, pursuant to N.C.G.S. 153A -40(a), the board of commissioners shall hold a regular meeting at
least once a month; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to N.C.G.S. 153A -40(a) the board of commissioners may, by resolution, fix the time
and place of its regular meetings; and
WHEREAS, the Randolph County Board of Commissioners has determined the need to hold two regular
meetings per month: one for regular business and one for its zoning public hearing; and
WHEREAS, the Board has also determined that moving the meeting times to later in the evening would
better serve the majority of the citizens ofRandolph County; and
WHEREAS, the upstairs meeting room (formerly a courtroom) of the 1909 Historic Courthouse has been
renovated and whose seating capacity is the largest of all County meeting facilities; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to N.C.G.S. 143A-443, the location of the official bulletin board of the Randolph
County Board of Commissioners, which is located in the first floor lobby of the Randolph County Office
Building, 725 McDowell Rd.; Asheboro, NC, was designated by ordinance June 1, 1998;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Randolph County Board of Commissioners has
determined that the location/venue for the regular monthly Board of Commissioners meetings shall be moved to
the meeting room (located upstairs) of the 1909 Historic Courthouse, 145 Worth St., Asheboro, NC 27203,
effective May 2, 2011.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the regular monthly business meeting of the Randolph County Board
of Commissioners shall, unless otherwise duly changed due to holiday or other County business conflict, be held
the firstMonday night of each month at 6:00 p. in., and that the Board of Commissioners will hear zoning issues
on the third Monday night of each month at 6:00 p. in., effective May 2, 2011.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the first floor lobby bulletin board at the Randolph County Office
Building, located at 725 McDowell Rd.; Asheboro, NC, is hereby re -designated and remains the official site for
the posting of any legal notice required by law concerning the actions or meetings of the Randolph County
Board of Commissioners.
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that the Clerk shall cause a copy of this resolution to be posted and
published pursuant to NCGS 153A-40.
Adopted this 14'h day ofMarch, 2011.
Adoption of FY 2011-2012 Proposed Budget Meeting Schedule
On motion of Haywood, seconded by Kemp, the Board voted unanimously to adopt the FY 2011-2012
Proposed budget meeting schedule, as follows: Monday, May 23, 6:00 p.m. --Proposed Budget
Presented to Commissioners, 6:40 -7:00 --Randolph County Schools, 7:00 -7:20 --Asheboro City Schools,
7:20 -7:40 --Randolph Community College, 7:40-8:00--Sandhills Mental Health; Tuesday, June 7, 2:00-
2:30 --All County Departments; Monday, June 13, 6:00 -6:30 --Outside Agencies Requesting Funding,
6:30 --Public Hearing on County Budget; Monday, June 27, 6:00 -Approve Close-out Budget
Amendments for FY 10-11, Budget Discussion, Adopt School and Fire District Tax Rates, Adopt Fee
Schedules, Adoption of Final Budget.
July Meeting Date Set
On motion of Frye, seconded by Kemp, the Board voted unanimously to set July 11 as the July
meeting date.
Special Meeting Date Set
Chairman Holmes said that since a quorum of the Board has accepted an invitation to attend a
meeting of the Randolph County Tea Party on April 11, action to set a special meeting is needed.
On motion of Kemp, seconded by Frye, the Board voted unanimously to set April 11 at 7 p. m. at The
Exchange in Asheboro for a special meeting for participation in the Randolph County Tea Party
meeting.
Public Comment Period Regarding Guil-Rand Fire Department's Request to Become a Service
District and Board Action
Chairman Holmes called on Brian Cox, Guil-Rand Fire Department Chief, to make a presentation
regarding Guil-Rand's request that the existing Guil-Rand rural fire protection tax district be converted
to a county service district in order to allow for an increase in the fire tax levy in this district.
Brian Cox, Guil-Rand Fire Chief, via PowerPoint presentation, said that Guil-Rand is in jeopardy of
its insurance rating and response times increasing due to shortages in personnel. Chief Cox gave an in-
depth explanation of the process by which Guil-Rand is rated by the Department of Insurance (DOI). He
said that over the last 23 years, the number of volunteer firefighters has decreased by more than 51%;
there are now more paid firefighters at Guil-Rand than volunteers. Chief Cox said that without additional
funding, he expects that four paid firefighters will be laid off in July of this year and three more next
year. If that happens, Guil-Rand will lose its DOI rating of 4/5, which means higher insurance premiums
for homeowners. Fewer firefighters also means longer response times to emergencies, fewer people on
the scene and the potential for increased danger to the public and the firefighters. Guil-Rand's fire tax
rate is capped at 10 cents, which is Guil-Rand's current rate. Guil-Rand's current total expenditures
budget is $2,347,043, which includes $0 for capital outlay, with expected revenue of $2,211,643; this
equates to a $135,400 revenue shortfall. Chief Cox explained that the only way to remedy the budget
situation is to either increase the tax rate cap to 15 cents, which can be done only via referendum or by
the County creating a service district for the Guil-Rand response area, in which case the aggregate cap
for all property tax is $1.50. He said that holding a referendum would require a petition of one out of
every three property owners in the response district. He urged the Commissioners to approve his request
for Guil-Rand to become a service district.
Chief Cox answered questions from the Board. He said that Guil-Rand tries to maintain a fund
balance of at least seven months' operating expenses. According to Chief Cox, the starting salary for a
firefighter is $28,000, and the average salary of all Guil-Rand's firefighters is $31,000. He said they
haven't had a raise in three years. According to Chief Cox, all the chiefs in Guilford County plan to ask
the Guilford County Board of Commissioners for a countywide service district. He also said that both the
Archdale and Trinity City Councils adopted resolutions of support for Guil-Rand to become a service
district.
At 5:57 p.m. Chairman Holmes opened the public comment period, and announced that the comment
period would be limited to one hour, with an opportunity for citizens both for and against to express their
views on the matter.
Gail Gurley spoke in support of the request, stating that she is worried that her homeowner's
insurance will increase too much if Guil-Rand's DOI ratings increase. She also has concerns about
response times increasing without the necessary manpower.
Carlton Boyles, Mayor of Trinity, spoke in support of the request. He said that a response time
greater than three minutes to a fire usually results in the loss of a building. According to Mayor Boyles,
Guil-Rand and Fairgrove Fire Districts have always had a great working relationship.
Bob Cottam, United Furniture consultant, spoke in support of the request, saying that United
Furniture is the largest employer in northwest Randolph County. He said that United has a great
relationship with Guil-Rand; Guil-Rand responded to an emergency at United in less than 2'/z minutes.
Larry Warlick, Archdale City Councilman, spoke in support. He said that having a professional
fire department with a low DOI rating is important in attracting new businesses and residents.
John Cable said that he was part of the "old regime" at Guil-Rand and is a former secretary/treasurer
and Vice President of the fire department's board. Mr. Cable showed a photograph of a wrecked vehicle
on I-85. He said that he and his wife were inside the truck when it was struck by four tractor trailers. He
is very thankful to Guil-Rand first responders who were able to get him out of the truck. He said they are
professionals and are good at what they do. According to Mr. Cable, there is no "fat" in Guil-Rand's
budget. As Chairman of the Archdale -Trinity Schools supplemental tax district, he feels confident
having Guil-Rand protecting the children in these schools. He also thanked the Commissioners for the
second ambulance stationed in the Archdale -Trinity area.
Beverly Nelson, Chair of the Guil-Rand Fire Protection District Commission, said that the Board
meets annually with the fire department and carefully reviews its budget and asks questions of Chief Cox
before the budget is submitted to the County. Ms. Nelson said that she trusts Chief Cox's budget
numbers. She encouraged the Board to support Guil-Rand's request.
Heather Weatherman, member of Guil-Rand's Ladies Auxiliary, spoke in support of the request.
She said that recently Guil-Rand was honored at a Guilford County function for having the most life
saves. She said that you can't put a price on lives.
Deanie Shore spoke against the request, saying that she wasn't speaking to downgrade the fire
department because they do a great job and has called on them in the past for help with her son before he
passed away. She is just against excessive spending, such as the three new vehicles recently purchased.
She also doesn't see the need in the new training center built at Guil-Rand's station when they could still
be using High Point's facility as in the past.
Lois Bohnsack thanked Chief Cox, Guil-Rand's firefighters and first responders for all they do. She
especially thanked Chief Cox for meeting with her to explain the budget situation. However, she thinks
his budget concerns are premature because she feels the current shortages should correct themselves as
the economy improves. Ms. Bohnsack said that according to Bonnie Renfro, EDC President, 2010 was a
banner year for economic development. Also, unemployment rates are decreasing, indicating that we
"have turned a corner." Ms. Bohnsack said that the 10 -cent rate should be adequate. If cash flow
continues to be a problem, she suggested selling the old fire station on N. Main St. She feels that as a last
resort, rather than Guil-Rand becoming a service district, the fire department should pursue the
referendum option and should go door-to-door seeking petition signatures to support changing the
charter so that the rate is capped at 15 cents.
Janet Pate, resident of Sophia, spoke against the request, saying that spending seems to be a
problem at Guil-Rand and that they are trying to become an empire. Her husband hasn't had a raise in
ten years. She asked Guil-Rand to be conservative and try to make it through the next couple of years
with what they have.
Lynn Lancaster said that he has a strong affinity for civil servants and believes that Chief Cox is
honest. He cautioned that raising Guil-Rand's tax rate to 12 cents is a 20% tax increase. He also said that
Guil-Rand has some assets that could be sold to raise money and believes that they can operate at the
current level for another year. He suggested that perhaps the Cities of Archdale and Trinity could help
supplement Guil-Rand's budget shortfalls. He expressed concern about a 20% tax increase at one time.
At 6:35 p.m., hearing no further comments, Chairman Holmes closed the public hearing.
Vice Chair Frye asked Associate County Attorney Aimee Scotton if the establishment of a service
district would give the Commissioners more control over the fire districts. Ms. Scotton said that there
wasn't much difference but that the County would still contract with the fire departments to provide the
fire protection service.
Vice Chair Frye said that he believes that Guil-Rand provides exceptional fire protection service and
he is proud of the fire department. But he thinks that the department will be ok for another year without a
tax increase.
Commissioner Kemp said that he would feel more comfortable with a referendum process because it
would give citizens an opportunity to speak.
Vice Chair Frye said that he feels that the Commissioners need to learn more about service districts
before making a decision. It might be in the best interest of all concerned if the entire county was in a
service district.
On motion of Frye, seconded by Kemp, the Board voted unanimously to table a decision on this
request until such time as County staff can research the advantages of service districts and report back
to the Board at a later time.
Recess
At 6:50 p.m., the Board took a short recess.
Rezoning Public Hearing
At 7:05 p.m., the Board adjourned to a duly advertised public hearing to consider a rezoning request.
Hal Johnson, Planning Director, presented the following request:
DOROTHY ALLEN, Liberty, North Carolina, is requesting that 38.90 acres (out of 42.57 acres)
located at the intersection of Greeson Country Road/NC Hwy 22N, Providence Township, be rezoned
from RA to RLOE-CD. Tax ID# 7798318208. Sandy Creek Watershed. Rural Growth Area. The
proposed Conditional Zoning District would specifically allow the development of a 10 -lot residential
subdivision for site -built homes and conventional off -frame modular homes with a minimum house size
of 1,400 sq. ft. The Planning Board reviewed this request at public meeting on February 8, 2011, and
unanimously recommended that this request be approved. The Planning Board found the following
policy within the 2009 Growth Management Plan that support determination of consistency with the
adopted plan with this recommendation:
Policy 6.5 The protection of viable rural neighborhoods should be encouraged by compatible
residential development to insure the continued existence as a major housing source and as a reflection
of the long term quality of life in Randolph County.
Policy 6.23 The County should encourage the use of rural lot subdivision designs where the size of lot
allows for open space and groundwater recharge areas preserved by careful citing of the principal and
accessory uses as noted through subdivision plat notations and related deed restrictions.
Chairman Holmes opened the floor for comment.
Jerry King, surveyor, spoke in support of the request on behalf of the applicant. He said there would
be wells and septic tanks for the proposed subdivision. Lot #10 would be exempt from the restrictive
covenants because Jason Allen Routh, whose property adjoins Lot #10, would be purchasing the lot for
himself.
On motion of Haywood, seconded by Frye, the Board voted unanimously to approve the request of
Dorothy Allen, as determined consistent with policies contained within the adopted Growth Management
Plan and with the recommended conditions outlined by the Planning Board, and excluding Lot #10 from
the restrictive covenants.
Adiournment
At 7:17 p.m., on motion of Frye, seconded by Haywood, the Board voted unanimously to adjourn.
J. Harold Holmes, Chairman Darrell L. Frye
Phil Kemp
Arnold Lanier
Stan Haywood
Cheryl A. Ivey, Clerk to the Board